Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish that never goes out of style. Tender shredded chicken is tossed with crisp celery, tangy red onion, sweet dried cranberries, and nutty toasted pecans, all coated in a rich, zesty dressing. Whether you serve it on a sandwich, with crackers, or over fresh greens, this salad is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Busy families who want a quick and filling meal.
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Meal preppers looking for a dish that stores well.
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Party hosts needing an easy make-ahead appetizer.
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Chicken salad fans who love a sweet-and-savory twist.
Why It’s Great
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Quick & easy – Ready in minutes with cooked or leftover chicken.
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Flavorful & refreshing – A balance of creamy, tangy, nutty, and sweet.
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Versatile – Serve as a sandwich filling, salad topping, or snack dip.
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Great for gatherings – Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holidays.
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Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling in the fridge.
Ingredients
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3 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
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1/3 cup celery, chopped
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
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1/3 cup dried cranberries
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2/3 cup sour cream
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2/3 cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tbsp vinegar
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp garlic salt
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1/8 tsp celery seed
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Juice of half a lemon
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowl
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Small mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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Knife & cutting board
Instructions
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Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, celery, onion, pecans, and cranberries.
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Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, garlic salt, celery seed, and lemon juice.
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Mix Together: Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until well combined.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
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Serve & Enjoy: Scoop onto sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or serve with crackers.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
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Freezer: Not recommended due to the creamy base separating when thawed.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance for the best flavor.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option for this recipe.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Can I add fresh fruit?
Absolutely! Try diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.
How do I serve this salad?
Serve on sandwich bread, croissants, in wraps, on top of lettuce, or with crackers.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the ultimate mix of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet—perfect for quick lunches, make-ahead dinners, or entertaining a crowd. With its versatile serving options and easy prep, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to chicken salad recipes!
